Giants and Tigers Staying Strong

Where and When: Manuka Oval, Canberra, Saturday March 17, 12.30pm

Both Greater Western Sydney and Richmond have elected to name strong line-ups in their NAB Cup Challenge match this Saturday.

While many sides have chosen to pursue a ‘player management’ policy in an effort to avoid injury, both GWS and Richmond have chosen to give their key men a further hit-out in preparation for round one.

Richmond will be expecting to dominate the midfield, with star duo Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin almost certain to enjoy an element of freedom against a GWS side still lacking a physical midfield presence.

While veteran midfielders Chad Cornes and James McDonald will seek to nullify the influence of Richmond’s on-ballers through their own instruction and experience, it will be difficult for them to challenge both Cotchin and Martin.

However, it is important that Richmond dominate the midfield, for if they do not, then the forward-line of GWS may certainly run over the top of the Tigers.

Full-forward Israel Folau will be difficult for Richmond defenders to contain, and could continue to show off his burgeoning talents. The Tigers must be careful, lest they find themselves on the end of an upset.

Key Players

GWSTom Scully: The marquee signing will have a chance to play with relatively less tagging on him than against many other teams, as Richmond don’t really have an outright tagger. This will be his chance to find some touch.

James McDonald: Junior will lead from the front and aim to bring the young GWS midfield brigade into the game.

Tim Mohr: The former Casey full-back will have the task of attempting to neutralise part of Richmond’s dangerous midfield, and will surely be given a go against Jack Riewoldt.

RichmondDustin Martin: Expect fireworks from the young gun midfielder.

Tyrone Vickery: Vickery should be expected to play powerfully against GWS. The one flaw that the Giants have is their lack of a big gorilla defender at this stage, and Vickery will have both height and reach on most of the GWS back line.

Brett Deledio: It is also difficult to see where GWS will find the tools to counter the influence of Deledio off half-back, and his rebounding play will continue to set up Cotchin and Martin.

The Match-up
Ruckman Combat: Ivan Maric is coming off being a second-string to Sam Jacobs, while Jonathon Giles is getting a shot at AFL level. Both will be looking to take their chances and aid their midfields as best as they can.

PredictionRichmond simply too good for the Giants. Watching the ‘senior’ brigade of the Giants blend with the kids will be good to watch, but only to a point.